Nation in Brief / MICHIGAN

Workers told to stay home indefinitely

Two-thirds of state government workers were told not to report to work Monday as negotiations continued on a budget plan that could avert a partial state government shutdown. The governor and legislators were negotiating a tax hike to cover a large deficit.

Messages went to about 35,000 state workers, telling them they were being placed on a temporary layoff and not to go to work unless otherwise notified.

About 18,000 state employees will remain on the job, including 12,000 prison workers and "limited state police," said Liz Boyd, a spokeswoman for Democratic Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm.